My BetterPholio™

My Messages

My Monthly Mission

Photo Discussion

Wasp Up

Wasp Up

The Cicada Killer Wasp, one of the largest wasps in North America, is found in every state east of the Rocky Mountains.

Adults emerge in late June/early July and die off in September or October.

The males vigorously challenge one another for position on the breeding aggregation from which they emerged, and generally investigate anything that moves or flies near them. The males' vigorous territorial defense can be frightening and intimidating to human passersby, the males pose no danger whatsoever. They will only grapple with other insects, and cannot sting.

They feed on flower nectar and pose no damage to plants.

(Pictured is a male cicada killer wasp which is more 'friendly' [and smaller] than the female.)